TeachersPro

Blog

Jan 2025
By Escalae Institute

Education in Finland: a benchmark for today's teachers

Finland is synonymous with educational excellence, a country where learning transcends the classroom and becomes an engine of social change. Finland' s unique approach to education has positioned it as a global benchmark. But what makes it so special and how can teachers learn from its model?

A system focused on trust and equity

The success of Finland' s education system lies in its commitment to equality. Every student, regardless of background, receives equal opportunities to learn. But beyond this, what really stands out is the trust placed in teachers, who enjoy unique autonomy in designing their curricula¹. This approach fosters creativity and guarantees a personalized education that respects the pace of each student².

Exceptional quality teacher training

In Finnish education, teaching is not just a profession; it is a highly valued vocation. Teaching requires a master's degree in education, which combines theory, practice and research skills³. This level of preparation allows educators to adapt educational methodologies to the specific needs of their students, promoting deep and meaningful learning. In addition, continuing education is an essential part of professional development, ensuring that teachers are always up to date with the latest pedagogical innovations⁴.

Pedagogical innovation at the core

Pedagogical innovation is a cornerstone of education in Finland. Strategies such as phenomenon-based learning allow students to approach real issues from multiple disciplines, fostering creativity and critical thinking[2]. Likewise, technology is integrated in a balanced way in classrooms, enriching the educational experience without replacing the importance of the teaching role⁴.

Inspiration for teachers around the world

The Finnish model of education is not one that can be literally replicated in other contexts, but it does offer valuable lessons. The key is to adopt practices such as trusting educators, focusing on student well-being and promoting excellent teacher training. These strategies can transform not only classrooms, but education systems in general.

Conclusion

Education in Finland is a reminder that teachers are at the heart of any education system. With strong training, professional autonomy and innovative methodologies, this model is inspiring transformation in education around the world.
Interested in learning more about how education trends are redefining teacher education? Read our Educational Trends in Teacher Education blog.

References
  1. Humanium, Finland's child-centered school system: a global model for success. Available at: https://www.humanium.org.
  2. Revista UNED, La formación del profesorado en Finlandia: profesores para la escuela del futuro. Available at: https://revistas.uned.es.
  3. World Bank, Teachers and trust, the pillars of Finland's education system. Available at: https://blogs.worldbank.org.
  4. Sabersinfin, Finland, an example of high quality teacher training. Available at: https://www.sabersinfin.com.
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